Pilots report frequent microsleeps at work

An investigation by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), involving 7,200 European pilots, found that 76.8% had experienced at least one microsleep while operating aircraft in the four weeks before the study. The survey, conducted by Baines Simmons and published in late October 2026, highlights a growing concern about fatigue in the aviation industry.

Many pilots fly while fatigued

According to the study, 24% of pilots admitted to continuing to fly despite feeling excessively tired and without informing their employer. This behavior is part of a larger issue that the ECA describes as a systemic crisis in European aviation, with the low-cost airline model identified as a major contributor to the problem.

Low-cost airlines face criticism

Only 15.6% of pilots working for low-cost airlines believe their employers effectively manage fatigue risks, compared to 18.6% in ACMI and wet-lease operators. The lower trust is linked to practices such as pushing flight hours to their regulatory limits, reducing staff numbers, and extending service hours, which increase the likelihood of pilot exhaustion.

Pilots endure long and demanding schedules

European pilots often face service durations of up to 13 hours, with multiple flight rotations, time zone changes, and bases located far from their homes. Airlines frequently use regulatory loopholes to extend flight periods, labeling these extensions as "exceptional circumstances," which have become routine and contribute to chronic fatigue.

Fear of consequences deters reporting

The survey found that 47% of pilots fear negative consequences from their employers if they report fatigue, and only 11.9% trust their company’s reporting systems. This suggests a corporate culture that prioritizes financial performance over safety, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Fatigue levels vary by country

Spain has the highest rate of pilots flying while fatigued, with 40% reporting regular excessive fatigue. Ireland and France each report 33%, while the United Kingdom shows only 10%, attributed to strict oversight by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, which enforces unannounced audits and mandatory fatigue management systems.